With Trump threatening sweeping tariffs, Canada’s Prime Minister warns of a new era — and a dramatic pivot away from America
The diplomatic frost between Canada and the United States just got colder.
Prime Minister Mark Carney issued his bluntest warning yet on Thursday, declaring that the once-stable, decades-old U.S.-Canada partnership has reached its end. Speaking in Ottawa after an emergency cabinet meeting, Carney called for a complete reset in how Canada approaches its most powerful neighbor.
“The old relationship we had with the United States… is over,” Carney told reporters. “It’s clear the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner.”
A Relationship in Freefall
The warning came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump posted a fiery message on his social platform Truth Social, threatening “large-scale tariffs” against Canada and the European Union. The message was seen as a clear escalation in the brewing trade conflict — and Carney didn’t mince words in response.
“If these tariffs become permanent,” Carney said, “we will need to broadly renegotiate our trade and security relationship with the United States.”
A Global Pivot: Europe First
Instead of heading to Washington for his first international trip, Carney turned to Europe — making diplomatic stops in France and the United Kingdom, which he described as “reliable allies and long-standing partners.”
The message was clear: Canada is diversifying its alliances, both politically and economically.
“We will need to do things previously thought impossible — at speeds we haven’t seen in generations,” Carney added, signalling a fast-track strategy for new trade routes, partnerships, and independence.
Tariffs Targeting Key Sectors
The flashpoint? A new 25% U.S. tariff on all Canadian cars and car parts, which Carney described as a “direct attack” and a violation of the USMCA (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement).
Washington’s tariff targets also include:
- Lumber
- Steel and aluminum
- Semiconductors
- Pharmaceuticals
Canada’s counter-strategy? Still under wraps — for now.
“This is a negotiation,” Carney said. “It doesn’t make sense to tip your hand… We will respond forcefully.”
His government is expected to unveil retaliatory measures after Trump announces his next steps on April 2.
A Shared Strategy with Mexico
Canada is not standing alone. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government will also hold back on announcing countermeasures until after April 2. The two North American nations appear to be coordinating behind the scenes, signaling a united front against U.S. economic pressure.
“We Are Masters in Our Own Home”
Carney’s tone throughout Thursday was defiant, nationalistic, and steeped in urgency.
“We reject any attempt to weaken Canada,” he said. “There is no silver bullet, no quick fix — but we will defend our workers and our country.”
He also emphasized the federal government’s commitment to shield Canadian industries from the impact of any U.S. trade action, referencing ongoing domestic policies designed to support workers, small businesses, and export-driven sectors.
Repeating a line that’s fast becoming a slogan of his leadership, Carney added:
“We are masters in our own home.”
What Happens Next?
Carney and Trump are expected to speak by phone in the coming days, though no diplomatic visit to Washington is planned. Members of Carney’s cabinet, however, may travel to D.C. for talks depending on how the next phase unfolds.
With rising economic uncertainty and diplomatic tensions peaking, Canada is charting a new course — one less dependent on its southern neighbor.
